Best Soltuion (cd changer port?) for a '97 F-150

[bigjonny]

Well I have the Harmon play or drive (whatever its called) sitting here in the box. I got it for xmas and planned to have it installed tomorrow at bestbuy. Well after talking to them and realizing that even with employee discount its gonna cost $50+ to install thsi thing I'm having second thoughts. It even turns out that its not exactly cd quality...which is what I want out of a permanent install.

So here I am kinda stuck because I don't know what my truck has or doesn't have. Where can I find out if I have a cd changer port? I really don't wana change my cd player beause 1) price of a new cd player and 2) the look of a small cd player is ugly. The buttons are small and there are plastic spacers...it just destroys the look of your car imo. I'm just looking for the best quality/economical way to get my ipod in my car. Thanks in advance for any feedback. I really appreciate it.

[S2_Mac]

The changer port is a square socket on the back of the stereo. If you have a "comp" or "shuffle" button on the head, you've got a changer-ready unit. There's usually a changer-ready stock radio or three available online, for $200-$250...check the usual F150 sites. Also, don't give up on 3rd party gear; there are single-DIN units with spacer plates that don't warp and looks that don't suck...again, check around the F150 sites.

S2 ('98 F150 4x4 XLT SuperCab ;-)

[bigjonny]

Alright well after doing some checking I don't have the port. Soooo it looks liek we're gonna have to rip out teh stock and get an after market. As far as price and convienience goes its just the best way. I'm actually looking at 2 decks made by dual that open and slide down which will help with ugly spacers!

Here's the first (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7683508&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat62700050003&id=1138083263759). I work there so I actually get this for $113 and free install. So there may be a few cables I'll need but still I can gran em with a discount. I'm just worried about spacers. This thing is 2" closed and looks to be 3"+ open. Only probelm is they sell generic spacers that put this right in the center. I would like it more towards the top so the controls drop down over the majority of teh spacer.

The other (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7683492&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat62700050003&id=1141762928256) is a little cheaper but a little iffy on the free install since I get it for $95 and it needs to be $99 ( not sure if discount kills that or if its the actual price) I'll probably go with this one just because it cheaper and I'm never gonna get tinto extra speakers or any of that.

Well there's my plan. My biggest concern is the spacers. I thought they "custom" did that but it looks like it just a generic piece you buy yourself at bestbuy. If anyone knows of a site that sells more specific ones that aren't right in the the center I would appreciate the links. Otherwise any advise or pics would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks